For Home OwnersTips & TricksUpgrades & Renovations December 17, 2016

Winter Home Maintenance List

  • Allow winter’s rain and melting snow to properly drain winter-by removing fall leaves and other debris from your gutters.
  • Consider having your furnace professionally cleaned and turned annually. Replace those furnace filters monthly, if needed.
  • Repair any obvious leaks in the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames and electrical outlets.
  • Feeling drafty? Check the attic to make sure you see a minimum of 12 inches of insulation.
  • Check crawlspace for flooding after the first long rainfall.
  • Check your heating ducts and clean out any abundant dust, animal hair and other debris that can gather and cause respiratory issues.
  • Reverse your ceiling fans to force warm air downward, keeping your home more comfortable. Note to self: As you look up, blades should be turning clockwise during the winter months.
  • Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor and in the garage.
  • If you haven’t checked the operation of your home’s smoke detectors.. now is a great time to do so. Check batteries too!
  • Invest in a carbon-monoxide detector: Every home should have at least one. They also make great, utilitarian holiday gifts!